(Montreal) CF Montreal paid dearly for its next gem, but the investment may be worth it.
Updated yesterday at 2:33 p.m.
The club acquired 21-year-old American defender Jalen Neal for $450,000 in general allocation money (GAM) in 2025, $200,000 in GAM in 2026 and of an international player place in 2025, the organization announced in a press release on Monday.
“We are delighted to welcome this promising young defender to Montreal,” said CF Montreal President and CEO Gabriel Gervais. Jalen fits the profile of the modern defender we wanted to add to our squad, being technically good, fast and versatile. Despite his young age, he already has significant experience in MLS and on the international scene. We are convinced that he will help us defensively this season and for the future. »
Neal also signed a “U22 Initiative” contract for the 2025, 2026 and 2027 seasons, in addition to an option year in 2028. This type of contract allows MLS clubs to offer generous terms to players promising employees aged 22 or under, without having to include their entire salary on the payroll.
Neal, a Galaxy Academy product, won the MLS Cup in 2024. He accumulated 2,671 minutes in 34 games, including 28 starts, during the 2023 and 2024 MLS seasons with the Galaxy. On the international stage, he has notably been selected six times by the United States senior team and represented his country in the Gold Cup in 2023.
CF Montreal also recalls that the 6-foot-3, 170-pound Californian appeared twice in the MLS 22 Under 22 rankings, in 14th place in 2023 and in 9th position the following season.
PHOTO ROBERT SKINNER, LA PRESSE ARCHIVES
Gabriel Gervais, president and CEO of CF Montréal
Moreover, Neal, CF Montreal defender George Campbell and his teammate, midfielder Caden Clark, have all been selected by the United States for a camp which will begin Tuesday in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Coach Mauricio Pochettino’s team will face Venezuela at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale on January 18, then Costa Rica at Inter & Co Stadium in Orlando on the 22nd.
This is a first call-up to the senior national team for Campbell and Clark.
